Before you touch any equipment, remember this: Boats never touch the ground, and riggers never touch the walls. Every single boat is a highly fragile, expensive piece of kit. We always carry boats in coordinated crews, and we only ever rest them on trestles or directly in the water.
When your crew is called to get the boat on the water, here is the step-by-step process:
Hands On: Never lift a boat alone. The cox or coach will call "Hands on!" and coordinate the lift. Listen to their commands—they are the only voice that matters during a lift.
The Exit: Watch the riggers! When carrying a boat out of the bay, the person at the bow and the person at the stern must watch the tips to make sure we don't scrape the door frames.
Oars First: Always take your oars down to the hard before you bring the boat down. It is dangerous to leave a boat floating unattended at the dock while you run back inside to grab your blades.
An outing isn't finished when the boat touches the dock. The post-row routine is just as important:
Wipe It Down: As soon as the boat is out of the water, grab a sponge and a hose. Wash down the hull to get the dirt off, and wipe down the slides and seats so they are ready for the next crew.
Log any Damage: Did you hit a stray log or notice a loose nut on a rigger? Do not ignore it. Report any damage immediately so the maintenance team can fix it before the next outing.
Put It Away Clean: Ensure the boat is returned to its correct rack, and the oars are put back in their proper slots.
Supporting our crews from the towpath is just as vital as the work done in the boat. Whether you are helping a novice crew stay safe or providing tactical feedback during a high-intensity session, being a Bank Party (BP) is a key role within the squad. To ensure the safety of our members and other river users, please familiarise yourself with the club's mandatory requirements and safety protocols.